GORDON STRACHAN today described Scottish football as a dead market in this transfer window... but is he only bluffing?

GORDON STRACHAN today described Scottish football as a dead market in this transfer window as fears over future economic storms grip the game.

But the Celtic boss also believes most managers are playing a game of poker, with bluffs set to be called in the final few days before the window closes.

Speaking at Lennoxtown this afternoon ahead of tomorrow's Co-operative Insurance League Cup semi-final against a Dundee United side which will include one of the men Celtic still hope to bring in, Willo Flood, Strachan said: "It's a dead market in Scotland, really.

"I think everyone is scared of what is going to happen next year. Economics are saying that no-one is taking a chance anywhere."

This has led to frustration on the part of Strachan who has continued work quietly behind the scenes to add to new additions Nial McGinn, Milan Misun and Michael Lang.

The Hoops boss revealed that a decision has been made on Chivas USA trialist Sacha Kljestan, who carries a price tag of around £2.5million.

But Strachan explained they are not ready to go public on whether or not they will recruit the Amnercian midfielder.

He said: "There have been developments, but we would have to get to other people first."

Strachan believes the games of bluff and counter bluff in transfer dealings are about to come to a head, and he said: "Sometimes clubs can hang on and say they want this, then suddenly you sit looking at the finances of the club and you say, Right, we can do a deal now.' "We are all playing poker at the moment to see who is bluffing and who is not. But there is nothing too exciting out there, to be honest with you."

Strachan also gave an update on possible outgoings from the club, amidst reports Newcastle had enquired about buying skipper Stephen McManus.

He said: "I have only one enquiry. When I asked about a player, there was an enquiry about someone at our place to swap on loan for six months.

"That's not going to happen. But there are no bids."

When asked if McManus - who is an injury doubt for tomorrow night - could be for sale, he quickly replied: "No', before qualifying that with, "but if Kaka is for sale, then Mick is for sale, trust me.

"We all say no one is for sale. But if AC Milan are willing to sell Kaka then anybody is for sale. Let's get that right. So I think it's a question that should be redundant now.

"But it's still asked, and we still give the answer. No, he is not for sale', knowing full well that if someone offered £30m, we would say, There's the door there.' "At the moment, however, there is nothing put to me that would make me think about selling any of our players."